Overview of Muscle Problems in Horses

Recent years have seen huge strides in the veterinary profession's understanding of the cause
and pathophysiology of equine myopathies. Previously these diseases had received rather little
attention and many decisions or treatments were based largely on anecdote, speculation or
subjective opinion; now, in the post genomic era, we have a whole new set of research and
clinical tools available to us that have resulted for example, in recognition that the syndrome
of 'tying up' has several, and perhaps multiple causes and in identification of a growing
number of other clinically-relevant myopathies. This has directly influenced our ability to
diagnose, manage and treat affected animals. This paper covers the important and clinically
relevant diseases in this field and, while not intending to provide an exhaustive literature
review, summarises the salient work that has contributed to our better understanding of this
fascinating group of disorders ...